Chelsea moved two points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 defeat of Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Second-half goals from France pair Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda settled an absorbing contest as Chelsea returned to form following last week's defeat at Wigan Athletic.
Chelsea have 21 points after seven wins in their opening eight games while Liverpool drop out of the top four below Arsenal, who earlier hammered Blackburn Rovers 6-2.
Manchester United are second with 19 points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur on 16 with Arsenal and Liverpool on 15.
Arsenal trounced Blackburn Rovers after twice trailing in the first half of a sizzling encounter at the Emirates.
The home side were stunned after four minutes when Steven Nzonzi headed Rovers in front before centre back Thomas Vermaelen drew Arsenal level with a thumping finish.
David Dunn's deflected shot after a counter-attack put Rovers back in front but this time their lead lasted just two minutes as Robin van Persie shot past Paul Robinson.
Russian Andrei Arshavin put Arsenal 3-2 ahead before halftime and the Gunners were rampant after the break, tearing Rovers to shreds.
Cesc Fabregas capped a superb individual performance with a volleyed fourth, Theo Walcott slid in a fifth after an end-to-end move and substitute Nicklas Bendtner completed the rout when he rifled a shot in off the post.
Victory lifted Arsenal into fourth place on goal difference with 15 points.
In Sunday's other games, Everton drew 1-1 against visiting Stoke City while West Ham United remain in the bottom three after a 2-2 home draw with 10-man Fulham.
