Newcastle United have one foot in the final of the Carabao Cup after stunning Arsenal at the Emirates.

It may only be half-time in the two-legged semi-final tie, but 6,000 Geordies were partying until the small hours in North London after storming to a 2-0 victory - their first away win over the Gunners in 15 years. And while Eddie Howe's high-flyers are now dreaming of lifting their first trophy since 1955 by reaching the March showpiece at Wembley, one player could miss out on a chance of history.

As the Magpies heroes soaked up the celebrations with the travelling support at full-time, goalkeeper Martin Dubravka cut an emotional figure as he appeared to wave goodbye ahead of a money-spinning move to Saudi Arabia. A tearful Dubravka - who was dominant between the sticks - patted the club crest and applauded the crowd, with a switch to Pro League outfit Al Shabab said to be imminent.

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Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie witnessed the heartfelt farewell from the stands and labelled the moment "unusual". Asked if it looked like a goodbye, he said: "It very much did look like that. He did look emotional. He spent some time on his own in front of the travelling supporters who of course were lapping up the 2-0 win. It was quite unusual to see that.

"His deal is up at the end of the season. He's 36 now, he's probably not going to be offered a new one and this might be a situation where Dubravka is allowed to leave so the club can bring in some money now to bring someone in in another position because that's the situation they are in with PSR at the moment.

"They can't buy until they can sell, and although it wouldn't be a lot of money for Dubravka, it would give Newcastle a little bit of headroom. But what makes it a bit more confusing is the fact Dubravka is back in the team. He's played the last six or seven matches and been excellent. He was excellent again last night and it would be a strange time for him to leave when he's back in the team and there's a potential cup final at Wembley on the horizon."

Boss Howe has made it clear that he wants to keep the experienced Slovakia international at St James' Park, who is in the final six months of his current deal on Tyneside. The 35-year-old has been superb in the absence of Nick Pope and asked about his future, Howe said: “I’ve got nothing to add on that. With Martin, we’ve been preparing for this game, and we’ve had a lot of games in quick succession, so I’ve not spoken to anybody about that.

"He’s playing very, very well, and certainly from my side, I wouldn’t want to lose him at all. But I genuinely know nothing. I’ve been head down, into the game. I’m sure I’ll speak to Paul (Mitchell, sporting director) at some stage."

However, fans on social media were convinced that Dubravka had played his final game for the black and whites. One said: "Dubravka crying while waving to the away end there has absolutely done me. He knows that’s his final game and what a way to go out. This last month from him has been simply outstanding and his legacy has improved dramatically. He leaves a cult hero - not something I’d have said a matter of weeks ago."

Another commented: "Oh god.. I think those are goodbye eyes. I don’t blame the club, I don’t think Dubravka does either. PSR is putting crazy pressure to squeeze every penny. But make no mistake, Martin Dubravka has been a consistently high performing servant of the club, and in another era he’d be able to stay at the club for the rest of his career (if he wanted) without the pressure of needing to produce a transfer fee."

While a third simply added: "What a way for Martin Dubravka to end his career at Newcastle United."