Indeed, the absence of Kevin De Bruyne had a major influence on Man City's attacks in building Man City's playing scheme in general. Apart from that, Haaland has also become unproductive, not even showing his best performance in his football career.

In important matches and several big matches he looks infertile, that's because even the opposing team from game to game studies opposing players who they consider predatory. However, this is an advantage for Man City, the opponent will be outnumbered by players and will lose in attack strategy because they will focus on blocking passes to Haaland and guarding more than 1 player. Pep Guardiola took advantage of that, because that's why the second line has always been active in Haaland's shadow in the last few matches. If it's Haaland's problem, maybe Pep Guardiola can handle it, but Kevin De Bruyne's injury problem, Pep Guardiola, doesn't seem to have found a solution. Maybe Pep should immediately find a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne who has the same skills in building Man City attacks.