Liverpool are generally regarded as very formidable

September 14, 1898
By common consent the meeting of Sunderland and Liverpool was the chief event of the day. Apart from the fact that it was the opening of the magnificent new enclosure at Roker, people are already looking to the Wearsiders as strong candidates for the championship, whilst Liverpool are generally regarded as very formidable. Although the visitors were beaten, it was only by a goal to none – a repetition of last year – and it is evident that Liverpool have a very strong side. Alex Raisbeck is winning golden opinions as a half back, and the forwards are a likelier lot than those that did duty last season.
(Source: Evening Telegraph: September 14, 1898)