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This is how we reported Liverpool’s title success in 1906. Given how little we had to say about their win in 1901, and how little we would have to say about their win in 1922, it’s really quite extensive reportage. Interesting that the first paragraph is given over to explaining why winning the league isn’t anything like as impressive as winning the FA Cup.
Liverpool have had a great League course, and they have strong claims to be considered the best team in the country. Of course winning the Association Cup is justly regarded as the highest of all football honours, and the best proof of supremacy among the teams of the country. The Cup competition provides a brief trial, for which each club needs to send its best team, and each team can prepare itself and collect all its strength. The League struggle is largely a test of club resources, it is liable to various interferences, and there is in it, of course, immense scope for the occurrence of accidents. In its later stage, when the international matches enlist the chief champions and the middle teams, without either fear or hope, begin to take things easily, the competition becomes a little unreal.
The Liverpool team has, however, shown exceptionally fine quality in the League series this season. Whether it has played better football than Newcastle or Aston Villa or Bolton Wanderers have when at their best is doubtful, but there is no doubt that it has given a greater number of fine displays than any other side. It has ended by showing itself a team of true fighters, and by resisting resolute challenges with splendid endurance and pluck. Manchester City, by a noble spurt, actually overtook Liverpool a few weeks ago, but Manchester, and not Liverpool, collapsed at their critical moment. When it is remembered that Liverpool lost five of their first eight matches in the early weeks of the season, when form is always topsy-turvy, no one can doubt that they are thoroughly deserving champions.
