Man of the match Thierry Henry hailed three important points for Arsenal as the leaders went eight clear of Manchester United and Newcastle with a comfortable win.
First-half goals by Francis Jeffers and Robert Pires stretched Arsenal's unbeaten run to 18 matches and dented Charlton's hopes of a UEFA Cup slot.
Henry said: "The important thing was to get three points while Manchester United weren't playing in the Premiership. It's never easy after a midweek Champions League match but we did the job."Manager Arsene Wenger added: "It was a big chance for us to extend our lead and it was important to keep our momentum going.
"We know our home form will be vital in the title race. Our last four games at Highbury will be where the title is won. It was a strong solid performance though some of our legs were a bit heavy in the second half."Henry set up both goals with pacy bursts on the left. After 26 minutes, he cut inside, darted past two defenders and crossed for Jeffers to arrive unmarked to tap home.
Then, in stoppage time, Chris Powell failed to clear Henry's centre and Pires headed in after Freddie Ljungberg's flick bounced off a post.
Keeper Dean Kiely kept Charlton alive with a string of saves and Luke Young's last-ditch tackle denied Jeffers a second goal.
Henry added: "The first goal was what we're expecting from Franny. He's so sharp around the box and he could have had another."Pires shot inches wide from another Henry pass as Arsenal eased through the second period.
Charlton, who had won their last five games, rarely threatened against the strength of Sol Campbell and Martin Keown.
Kevin Lisbie had their best effort, a 20-yard shot moments after Jeffers' goal, which David Seaman saved at the foot of a post.