Mikel Arteta ’s side came up two points short on the final day of last season, as Manchester City edged them out to win a fourth straight title.
Midfielder Partey spent a large chunk of last season injured, managing to play just 16 games in all competitions. But he has made a full recovery and is convinced Arteta’s squad have the belief and mindset to push again for a first league title in 21 years.
"I think the confidence is always there,” said Partey, following Arsenal ’s US tour opener against Bournemouth in Los Angeles. “We are there to compete with the best and we know we need to get the best out of ourselves to be able to compete.
“We have to compete against each other and then, at the end of the day, we will be able to compete against the other teams.”
Reflecting on his injury problems last season, Partey said: “It’s life. Things happen and sometimes they are things you cannot control. But I have to keep going and keep fighting.
“Every time I fall, I have to get up and fight back. That’s the mentality I have. I also think that any time I can help the team, that is what I have to do.”
With captain Martin Odegaard, England star Declan Rice and Italy international Jorginho, Partey acknowledged competition is intense for places in Arsenal’s midfield. “We have a lot of players in that position,” said Partey. “Jorge is playing good, I’m playing good.
“Dec is there, Martin too. We also have other players who can come in and make a difference. We have to compete against each other and at the end fog the day it is the manager who decides. With this kind of competition, we can get to the level that we want to be at.”
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