It is very sad that De Bruyne was only able to complete 1 match in the League this season and had to be replaced due to injury. I can say that currently there is no player who can play a role as good as De Bruyne as a tempo maker for City's game in the middle of the field. Even though you have a striker like a goal machine like Haaland, without sufficient ball distribution it will be difficult for Haaland to repeat his extraordinary performance last season.

As you said, his teammates are fine but the problem is that the 2 defeats City have suffered at the start of the season will slightly hinder their chances of winning the title. I'm not saying City can't win the League, it's just that this time it won't be as smooth as the previous season.