Aubameyang passed up hat-trick penalty to help Lacazette's confidence

Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang passed up the chance to complete his first Arsenal hat-trick against Stoke City by handing over a penalty to Alexandre Lacazette in what he revealed was an attempt to aid the Frenchman's confidence.

After initially looking as though they were heading towards an underwhelming 0-0 draw, Arsenal eventually stepped things up towards the end at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday and broke the deadlock through Aubameyang in the 75th minute.

The Gabon striker converted a penalty after Mesut Ozil had been tripped by Bruno Martins Indi, before then doubling his tally with a fine volley late on.

Arsenal were awarded a second spot-kick right at the end that would have given Aubameyang the chance to complete his treble, but Lacazette - back following six weeks out - was instead allowed to take it, dispatching the kick to score his first Premier League goal since early December.

And Aubameyang says he did it to give his colleague a boost.

"Laca is back, and I know I scored twice so I can let him shoot," he told Sky Sports. "It's good for his confidence."

Aubameyang was sporting a special hairdo on the day, with the word "Marina" shaved into the side of his head.

And explained afterwards that it was a tribute to his grandmother, who passed away recently.

"It is my grandmother's name," he said. "She passed away last week so this is my dedication to her."