THE NOTEBOOK: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s decision to bring in David Raya for Aaron Ramsdale is looking contentious… while the records keep tumbling for Bukayo Saka in victory against Luton

• Arsenal won a thrilling contest at Kenilworth Road 4-3 on Tuesday evening
• Mikel Arteta’s decision to swap Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya looks precarious
• Man City are vulnerable, but come the spring they will put on the afterburners. Leaders Arsenal must seize their moment now – Listen to It’s All Kicking Off

There were several talking points from a thrilling encounter at Kenilworth Road, where Arsenal secured a dramatic late victory against Luton Town.

The league-leaders looked to be heading towards a draw, when Declan Rice stepped up to score a massive goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

Arsenal’s victory sends them five points clear at the top of the table, before nearest rivals Liverpool and Man City play tomorrow.

However, there were some concerns to come from the game, particularly in goal with David Raya struggling between the sticks. 

Mail Sport takes a look at some of the talking points you may or may not have noticed during the game.

Declan Rice scored a dramatic late winner to send Arsenal five points clear at top of the table

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Raya tests Arteta’s trust 

Mikel Arteta’s decision to swap out Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya is now looking precarious indeed.

Raya flapped at Alfie Doughty’s corner, which saw Elijah Adebayo level the score at 2-2.

It evoked memories of the Spaniard similarly in no man’s land for Newcastle’s controversial winner last month.

If that wasn’t enough, Ross Barkley saw his strike go through the goalkeeper to put Luton Town 3-2 up. Another poor error.

We’ll now see if, as Arteta warned, keepers are interchangeable after all…

It was a night to forget for David Raya who flapped at Luton’s second goal (above) and floundered Ross Barkley’s strike

Luton star wears bodycam

Luton’s Amari’i Bell wore a bodycam for the warm-up, with the club keen to embrace the new. 

Over 30 years have passed since the Hatters were in the top division — and they are not wasting time bringing their players closer to fans.

It follows the idea being used during the warm-up at Tottenham vs Wolves last month where a player from each side did the same.

The audio again was switched off to avoid any swearing being picked up.

Though, disappointingly, an Arsenal player did not wear a bodycam. The club have said they will at a future fixture.

From Staines to Arsenal 

Ten years ago, last week, Pelly Ruddock made his Luton debut in a 0-0 draw with Staines Town in the FA Trophy. The club were in the Conference Premier division.

Tonight, the 29-year-old made their starting line-up having been with the home side all the way to this summit.

Going from facing Staines to Arsenal, it’s what dreams are made of.

Saka lands another record 

The records keep on tumbling at Bukayo Saka’s feet. Before this fixture, the winger had scored or assisted against all 24 teams he’s faced in the Premier League. 

Make that 25 out of 25, his assist providing Gabriel Martinelli with the opener. That is now 11 different Gunners’ scorers for their last 11 league goals.

Bukayo Saka (left) has scored or assisted against every Premier League side he has faced

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.

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