Arsenal returned to the top of the English Premier League table after a 3-0 easy win over Newcastle United on Tuesday.

Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor heads and scores past Newcastle United's Steven Taylor (R) and Stephen Carr (L) during their English Premier League soccer match at the Emirates Stadium in London January 29, 2008. (Photo: Xinhua/Reuters)

The result, their second 3-0 victory over Newcastle in four days, lifted Gunners three points ahead of rivals Manchester United, who will host Portsmouth on Wednesday.

Watched by their new executive director Dennis Wise, Newcastle was never in real contention at Emirates Stadium.

Emmanuel Adebayor's 19th goal of the season put the hosts on the way to victory with another trademark header five minutes before the break.

Mathieu Flamini added a brilliant 25-yard drive after 72 minutes before substitute Nicklas Bendtner played in Cesc Fabregas for a simple third 10 minutes from time, leaving Kevin Keegan still without a goal since his return as boss.

Elsewhere, Jeremie Aliadiere scored his first Premier League goal, and the sole one at the Riverside to give Middlesbrough a vital victory against Wigan while Fulham held a toothless Bolton side to a goalless draw at the Reebok.

Sunderland also secured a 2-0 home win over relegation rivals Birmingham. Roy Keane's men went ahead after 15 minutes when Kenwyne Jones headed on a free-kick into the six yard box and Murphy stole in between defenders Rafael Schmitz and Frank Queudrue to score.

A Liam Ridgewell howler then gifted new signing Rade Prica a goal on his debut to make the points safe.

Arsenal's Mathieu Flamini (top) is challenged by Newcastle United's David Rozehnal during their English Premier League soccer match at the Emirates Stadium in London January 29, 2008. (Photo: Xinhua/Reuters)

Arsenal's Mathieu Flamini (R) celebrates his goal against Newcastle United with Cesc Fabregas during their English Premier League soccer match at the Emirates Stadium in London January 29, 2008. (Photo: Xinhua/Reuters)

Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor celebrates his goal against Newcastle United during their English Premier League soccer match at the Emirates Stadium in London January 29, 2008.
(Photo: Xinhua/Reuters)

(Xinhua News Agency January 30, 2008)