The Gunners managed a 3-1 win over Cologne last night in an evening that was marred by crowd trouble.

Manchester United prioritised the competition last term when it became clear they wouldn’t finish in the Champions League spots.

And Hartson, who played 54 games for the north Londoners, reckons his former club should consider adopting a similar approach.

He told Starsport: “I think a top-four place is a big ask for Arsenal, I really do think that. What with Manchester City spending so big, Liverpool as well.

“Chelsea, and Manchester United under Jose Mourinho of course, are a lot of people’s favourites for the title.

“But Arsenal can adopt Manchester United’s attitude to the Europa League last season.

“Mourinho said from the outset he thought it was the best way in for United – he was almost telepathic how he called that.

“Ajax hadn’t won an away game all the way through the competition, so it was almost as if United absolutely breezed the final it in a strange type of way.

“United had a couple of tricky away games, but they won it at a canter. I think Arsenal have to take it seriously.

“In the Europa League, they’re probably favourites to win it behind AC Milan.”

Arsenal finished last season fifth in the Premier League. They also only modestly strengthened their squad in the summer by drafting in Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac.

Having already slumped to defeats against Stoke and Liverpool, Hartson thinks the Gunners might have to get used to not playing in Europe’s elite competition.

“They’ve lost two game in the Premier league already, they go to Chelsea on Sunday where they’ve not won since 2011, so that could be three loses in their first five games.

“I know they’ve got this great record with qualifying for the Champions League – but last season was a wake-up call.

“They needed to do a bit more in the transfer window. They brought in Alexandre Lacazette but needed another defender.”