The moment Liverpool dealt Newcastle United a colossal £115m transfer reality check

With one yell at his substitutes’ bench, Jurgen Klopp changed Liverpool’s fortunes and, quite possibly, the Premier League title race. Before the German summoned Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota into action, Newcastle United frustrated Liverpool.

Admittedly, the Reds were knocking on the door, forcing Martin Dubravka to produce his finest performance since returning to the side. But scars from the goalless draw against Manchester United are yet to heal and the Magpies looked threatening whenever they broke free.

However, Newcastle’s disastrous month continued as they could not cope with the Liverpool reinforcements. On the hour mark, Klopp rang the changes after watching Alexander Isak net an equaliser against the run of play.

Around £115million worth of talent entered the field and, ultimately, turned the tide. Gakpo netted shortly after coming on while Jota won the late - albeit highly controversial - penalty which put the game to bed. Who did Newcastle turn to? Miguel Almiron, the man with 30 goals in 193 appearances during his five-year stay on Tyneside.

Other attacking players included Matt Ritchie, a 34-year-old instrumental in Newcastle’s Championship campaign… eight years ago. Paul Dummett and Jamaal Lascelles were also on the bench, two players who also earned promotion under Rafa Benitez. It was a matter of when - not if - Liverpool were going to score on New Year’s Day. The Magpies’ transfer chickens came to roost as the Reds replaced like for like, with equally menacing players swapping for those struggling.

When the trio were introduced, it became obvious a fatigued Newcastle would try and cling on. Toon chiefs have done a lot right since liberating the club from Mike Ashley but they must ask themselves whether Howe was backed enough last summer. There was once a time when Liverpool faced criticism for their bench. Attempting to leapfrog Manchester City proved an uphill task as trusted trio Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah had little in reserve should the goals dry up.

Now Klopp’s squad is the gold standard for depth in attacking areas. They have set the bar for Newcastle to follow should Howe and Co aim to become Champions League regulars. Isak and Anthony Gordon cannot do it on their own. Callum Wilson, the man burdened with much of the goalscoring responsibility since joining three years ago, also appears on the wane, with a myriad of injuries catching up to him.

The January transfer window being open allows the Toon hierarchy to correct their mistakes this month. At least one sprinkle of stardust, preferably on the right flank, is needed. Give Howe the tools and he can begin work on the Newcastle turnaround in the second half of the campaign.