Thomas Partey has charged his Arsenal teammates to up their game if they are to challenge for the Premier League title again.

The Gunners dropped points over the weekend as they drew 1-1 with Brighton and Hove Albion on the road on matchday 19 of the English top flight.

Mikel Arteta's side led through Ethan Nwaneri's curler before Joao Pedro scored from the penalty spot after a foul in the box by William Saliba.

It was the first time Arsenal had failed to win a game since the 0-0 draw against Everton in December and Partey was quick to admit the team was not at their best.

"We were sad, frustrated, everybody was down but that’s part of football. We wanted to win, we wanted to keep the momentum going and at the end of the day, we didn’t get it," he said when quizzed abnout the mood in the dressing room.

"But it’s also a positive one because we did not lose."

Partey also called for more efforts from his side as they turned attention to the next games.

"We have to try our best and win these games because they’re the most important ones, but it’s not an easy game against a good side and to win here you have to be perfect," he continued.

"We need to forget about today and keep on working hard to win our next game."

Arsenal face Newcastle United next in the EFL Cup semifinal on Tuesday, January 7.