Antoine Semenyo, Nico O'Reilly and Erling Haaland all struck in the first half at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night as City issued another statement of intent in the race for the title.
The Gunners have a game in hand on Pep Guardiola's team but will be feeling the heat ahead of its visit to Brentford on Thursday.
"We have put the pressure back on Arsenal. We need to sit tight, watch the game tomorrow and hopefully it goes our way," Semenyo said.
Second-placed City (53 points) followed up Sunday's dramatic late win against Liverpool with a routine victory that was effectively wrapped up before halftime.
Semenyo scored for the fifth time in eight games since his $A122 million move from Bournemouth last month and his signing could be pivotal if City go on to pip Arsenal to the title.
"Being involved in a title race is new to me. I am enjoying it but it comes with a lot of pressure and demands," Semenyo said.
"I think we have the team to do it. There are 12 games to go and we need to keep going."
Successive wins for City have changed the complexion of the standings after Mikel Arteta's side opened up a nine-point lead at the top on Saturday. With the top two still to play each other at the Etihad, the title race looks far from over.
Third-placed Aston Villa also picked up a much-needed victory after a run of one win in five in the league.
Jack Hinshelwood's own goal in the 86th sealed a 1-0 home win against Brighton & Hove Albion. Villa are six points behind Arsenal and moved five clear of Manchester United (45) in fourth.
Liverpool are sixth, two points behind Chelsea, and moved up to 42 points with a 1-0 win at Sunderland.
Arne Slot's side bounced back from defeat to City and boosted their hopes of Champions League qualification courtesy of Virgil van Dijk's header in the 61st minute.
"We can't deny that these three points feel very big," skipper van Dijk said after the Reds ended Sunderland's unbeaten home record this season.
"But there are still 12 matches to go. We have to keep trying to improve and find some consistency."
Elsewhere, second to last Burnley came back from 2-0 down at Crystal Palace to win 3-2.
Nottingham Forest are just three points above the relegation zone after a goalless draw with last-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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