Emery’s side are currently on a 15-game unbeaten run heading into their Premier League clash with Wolves on Sunday afternoon.
Arsenal are fifth in the table, six points behind leaders Manchester City, and one point off arch-rivals Tottenham in fourth.
Many wrote off Arsenal’s top four hopes this season, with worries over Emery replacing Arsene Wenger at the Emirates in the summer.
However, the former PSG and Sevilla boss guided his side to 11 consecutive wins in all competitions – a run which came to an end with their 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace at the end of October.
Europa League expert Emery – who has won the competition three times – has also impressed with the Gunners, with Arsenal set to top Group E ahead of Sporting Lisbon.
And BT Sport analyst Hartson has tipped Arsenal to secure a Champions League spot this season, claiming Alexandre Lacazette could be the key.
When asked whether Emery will focus on the Europa League instead of top four, Hartson exclusively told Express Sport: “You could say that for last season because Arsenal flew through the group stages last year.
“It was unfortunate they came up against Atletico Madrid. They went for it last year.
“I think a lot of people are now saying, without jumping the gun, that Arsenal now are in the running for a top four place.
“If they can keep it going, if Lacazette can bang in 25 goals, like [Thierry] Henry, [Robin] van Persie, [Ian] Wright. To become an Arsenal mainstay striker, you have to get these goals.
“You know [Sergio] Aguero will get them, you know Liverpool have got goals in them. You know [Eden] Hazard will give you 18, [Alvaro] Morata will give you 12 to 15 goals.
“Arsenal have missed that. They’ve missed that player to go and get them goals. You need goals to win games, that’s simply what wins you football matches.
“They would try to push as far as they can in the Europa League because that’s a great opportunity if they finish out of the top four.
“If they are going to finish in the top four, that means a Man Utd, maybe, miss out.
“Liverpool and Man City are fighting to win the league, I think most people would agree.
“Then you’ve got Chelsea who are going very strong. Spurs and Arsenal are looking good and then you’ve got United.
“For Arsenal to finish in the top four, two huge clubs will miss out. They would have to go some [to finish in the top four].
“At the start of the season, many, including myself, wrote them off. But I’m looking at their form and Emery and it’s not beyond the realms of possibility for Arsenal to finish in the top four.”
Lacazette has already netted six goals in all competitions under Emery this season.
The France international has five goals in two assists in just eight Premier League starts.
Lacazette’s fine form has forced Emery to play Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the left wing to keep the 27-year-old down the middle.
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