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.
Haaland hardly had a chance to shine when De Bruyne was absent. He's got a hefty role at Man City, but his form seems to be slipping due to repeated injuries. Fortunately, Mancity has Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden, although they haven't reached De Bruyne's level. Still, their current form offers some comfort to Mancity fans.
I like everyone's confidence in Manchester City, as anything can happen. If their group exit is already clear, then at any stage further on they can face any team that can beat them. So far, I myself believe that MC can repeat last season's success this season, because they look just as good as ever
Mancity remains a formidable team, but repeating last season's success won't be easy. I think the best they can hope for is winning the Premier League.