I don't think you need to worry about missing out on the Top 4 moving forward. I think this season we'll be close but will scrape over the line. We still of course could win the CL so it wouldn't matter if we missed out in any case. The cash from the CL is huge, but the Prem gives huge money anyway and we're sustainable enough as a club to cope financially if we missed out for one season.
I also think you're over playing other sides and down playing City.
We've been poor this season through injury and the decline of our squad largely because of the average age. From transfer rumours it's a clear goal to lower the average age - Pogba and Gundogan are linked and the lack of midfield presence has been our biggest concern. Those two in our current squad remove that issue and we've enough in defence and attack to make the top 4.
The rags could miss out on Top 4 again, the managerial situation is uncertain and though they've a young squad there's no evidence the young players they have will do any better. For every Messi and Ronaldo there's an Ashley Young or Phil Jones. Good initially but it's beginners luck and they then decline to their actual consistent standard. We'll see how Rashford etc cope next season.
Chelsea will improve but again, there's a lot to do and they've been so far off it this year there's a huge issue with the squad dynamic and mentality there that could take more than a year to resolve. Tottenham can improve but Leicester are unlikely to get better. They still won't be able to attract top players because despite the CL they're not as attractive as several other sides. They'll have to compete in an extra competition and that will force them to rotate the squad.
Arsenal still have the Wenger love/hate relationship and the same weaknesses are there that have been since Vieira and Henry left. Plus the injuries and you still can't take them too seriously as a threat. Liverpool can improve but won't be willing to pay top wages so limits to who they can buy.
Meanwhile City with one of the best managers, with a fantastic academy that he will dip into over time, with funds to oversee a big transfer window... we'll be fine! I seriously think this season will be the low point and we'll manage our transition better than other clubs in England have.
The Rags never replaced Giggs or Scholes. They've not replaced Vidic or Wio either. Bacon tried to but failed so retired. Arsenal I've already mentioned... you can add that they've not replaced Adams etc at the back either. Chelsea need to replace Terry, they've missed someone like Lampard this season too with his passion for the club.
We're needing to plan for life without Yaya (which probably needed to happen sooner). Kompany's injuries continue to cause concern so we need to think about that. De Bruyne has arrived so some of the burden on Silva is already lifted. With Pogba mentioned we have a potential Yaya replacement already. The transition would be done and dusted and we can build an even better side to dominate.
