The former PSG and Sevilla boss would have taken his side’s current position if he was to be offered it at the start of the season.
Arsenal still have two direct possible routes into next season’s Champions League but defeat at Everton on Sunday puts added impetus on Thursday’s contest.
Napoli are gunning for Europa League glory themselves in attempt to make something of their season after falling short in the title race, Champions League and Coppa Italia.
Ahead of tonight’s encounter, we’ve taken a look at three players that could cause the Gunners problems.
Dries Mertens
The Belgian needs no introduction seeing as he’s the live-wire in this Napoli side.
Before moving to Italy he was predominately a winger with PSV, but his sharpness in the box and acceleration saw Maurizio Sarri convert him into a centre forward.
Arsenal do not possess an abundance of pace at the back and Mertens will be looking to profit in behind while defending from the front.
The forward is yet to score in this season’s Europa League though but tonight could be the game for him to do it.
Lorenzo Insigne
The Italian is expected to start the match ahead of out of form Arkadiusz Milik.
Now Napoli’s captain after the departure of Marek Hamsik to China, he is fully fit for this clash after nursing a thigh injury.
Insigne loves to come inside from the left flank and work an angle, he has the quality to punish Arsenal should they give him half a yard.
The winger is also capable of opening up defences with his dribbling ability and vision, so Emery will need whoever is marking him to get nice and tight.
Fabian Ruiz
At just 23 years old Ruiz is developing into a top class midfield player.
That has been recognised by Spain boss Luis Enrique who recently named him in his squad.
The Spaniard is just as strong on either foot and doesn’t need a second invitation to shoot from long range.
Napoli will look to get him on the ball as often as possible, meaning the Arsenal midfield can’t afford to sit off him.