January 5, 1901
In the light of the aforementioned lever character of the tourney we cannot pretend to spot the winners of the championships, but only to analyse the situation in brief and present the position in a nutshell, so that everyone may grasp the facts.
A fortnight ago all indications pointed to Nottingham Forest as likely champions, but, alas for the prospects of the banner going to the Lace city, the Reds have thrice been defeated during the holidays – a fresh reminder that few teams, scarcely even expecting those with a most generous supply of reserves, which Forest have not, can weather a whole season without at least a temporary crack up.
To Forest this has come just lately, and they are now practically on a level with a number of other eager bidders for honours, Newcastle having relatively the best record of all. Just look how close the contest is. Forest have 27 points, Bury and Sunderland 25, with a match in hand as compared with the Nottingham club, Liverpool 24, also with a match up their sleeves, and Newcastle 24, with three matches to go, while Villa after all are not altogether out of the hunt, with 25 for one more game than Forest.
(Source: Lancashire Evening Post: January 5, 1901)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 