Alexandre Lacazette's angry outburst after Bukayo Saka's goal against Leeds

Alexandre Lacazette showed just why he has been entrusted with the captain's armband as he reacted to Bukayo Saka's goal in Arsenal 's victory over Leeds.

The striker, 30, has not been appointed skipper officially but he has led the Gunners in their last two Premier League fixtures after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was stripped of his duties.

Lacazette has proved his credentials by captaining Mikel Arteta's side to an impressive 2-0 win over West Ham last Wednesday and a comfortable 4-1 dismantling of Leeds on Saturday.

The Frenchman was instrumental in both victories, picking up an assist in either match, and he appears to be the ideal figurehead to marshal a youthful attack comprised of Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe.

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Lacazette has made a point of defending Arsenal's exciting crop of youngsters and was seen sharing a heated exchange with referee Andre Marriner at Elland Road.

The incident came after Saka added to Martinelli's double to put the Gunners 3-0 up and proceeded to celebrate in front of the home fans, prompting a bitter reaction from the stands.

Marriner attempted to intervene to prevent tensions spilling over, but Lacazette cut in and appeared to point out Saka had every right to celebrate his goal and it was up to Leeds supporters to control their emotions.

This vocal and proactive approach to leadership is a stark contrast to the more laid-back strategy employed by previous captain Aubameyang.

Arteta has been pleased by the way Lacazette has risen to the task and praised his work with Arsenal's youngsters as he spoke after the match.

"I am really happy with the way he played," the Gunners boss said of the former Lyon star. "Absolutely he has embraced the captaincy, but Laca has always been like that in the dressing room. You see the way he acts with the young players, his willingness to help.

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"It's in his nature, he is not a selfish player, he is happy to make the rest better."

While Lacazette has been a hit with the armband so far, his on-pitch performance against the Whites was by no means perfect and he was guilty of squandering two gilt-edged chances to get on the score sheet.

Arteta is also facing a headache with the experienced frontman due to his contract situation; Lacazette's deal will expire at the end of the season, so he will be free to talk with clubs outside England as soon as the January window opens.