What do teams suddenly combust if they don't make the C.L for a season?? You had to sell Ronaldo to balance the books even after you'd made the final the previous year. What would happen if you didn't make the top 4 is a much more interesting question.
Seemed to be a big enough boost tonight. No Toure and Silva = no way through Liverpool's packed midfield. Even when you were forced to bring on Adam instead of Spearing you kept De Jong and Barry wrapped up tight all night