Although there is a slight difference in Manchester City's performance at the start of this season, I think it is very inappropriate to judge Manchester City to have been bad at the start of this season. Because everyone can see that after seven matches at the start of this season, Manchester City is still ranked first and that can be very accurate evidence that Manchester City has not been that bad at the start of this season. In fact, Manchester City will still be a candidate to win the Premier League this season.
What make it dangerous? Manchester City can still achieve top position even though they're playing without a full squad, what if they play with a full squad? other teams have no chance to compete them. They might lose or draw for few matches due to shit happen, but it will not change their position.
So yeah, this season is still for Manchester City.