Usually, an international break comes as a bit of a nuisance for Premier League clubs.

Two weeks without domestic football at this early stage of the campaign can often upset the rhythm of clubs.

But for Liverpool, the fact they have two weeks without a match will come as a relief.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have won just once in their last seven matches in all competitions and were once again left frustrated by Newcastle on Sunday.

The result leaves them seven points behind both Manchester clubs with a title challenge already seemingly out of the question.

And it was a case of the same result, different day at St James’ Park.

The Reds have dominated matches against the likes of Sevilla, Burnley and Spartak Moscow but have drawn in each of them.

Need to be more clinical

Being more clinical is what Klopp called for after their tie against Spartak Moscow on Tuesday.

“We created the chances but we have to be more clinical, that is 100 percent sure,” he said.

“The only way to change it is to do it again, do it again and do it again. We got in the right positions.”

To be more clinical, Klopp decided to bring in Daniel Sturridge for the game against Newcastle.

Would he make the difference and put away the hatful of chances the side are creating?

Well, no was the answer.

The forward missed numerous fantastic opportunities while his overall play was disappointing.

And a look at his ‘highlights’ against Newcastle summed it up.

Sturridge has always been considered a good finisher and it was seriously worrying his lack of composure in front of goal. What was also worrying for the way he was all too often shrugged off the ball.

Watch: Sturridge's 'highlights' vs Newcastle

Just take a look:

Carragher on Sturridge

In fact, his display was so poor that Sky Sports pundit and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher doesn’t think Sturridge is the same player as he used to be.

“Because he doesn't play much now, whenever we talk about Sturridge we keep going back to that season when Liverpool nearly won the league - he was devastating with Luis Suarez,” Carragher told Sky Sports.

"I don't think that player is there now, whether that's due to injuries or not playing enough. The reason he played today is because Roberto Firmino is not playing well. If Firmino is playing his normal level, then Sturridge doesn't play. Klopp doesn't fancy Sturridge, that's why he doesn't play."