I looked back at the results last week and the table was a bit different but at this point last year after the same amount of games we are actually in pretty much the same position regarding distance from the top 4. Apologies.
It shouldn't matter that we only have the league to worry about because last year in the weeks leading up to cup games were pretty much the only games we got points out of in the last 13 games last year
However, if I had to choose between finishing 5th but with no cups and finishing 8th with one cup and a cup final, I would gladly choose the latter. Not sure that you would have made the same choice. I definitely noticed that we didn't have any motivation in the league following the Arsenal home game, but, this is only a feeling not a fact.
I cannot unfortunately say that I am happier this season than last (and I was not happy in the league last year especially with the number of our shots that hit the post or bar and not finishing our chances).