Without De Bruyne they were still able to perform well but City couldn't dominate the match. Several times they struggled to create chances and they didn't really dominate the game. City can perform well without KDB but they cannot perform optimally. Because KDB has the creativity to distribute the ball forward and create several golden opportunities for City.
Yes, I also see City as having a bigger chance than Arsenal and Liverpool. They really have a solid squad. But I hope Liverpool or Arsenal win the EPL title. It will be a memorable farewell gift for Klopp. I also like seeing a team like Arsenal win the title after a long time when they were only able to finish in second place in the final standings.
Manchester City chances of winning the game are still very big even though KDB is doubtful to play in the game, what you said is true, so far KDB has a tremendous influence on every Manchester City game but that does not mean Manchester City has a dependence for KDB, when the game against Liverpool in the FA, KDB was replaced by Kovacic and I think Kovacic can also perform better if he does get the opportunity to play Against Arsenal and replaced the position left by KDB.
De Bruyne's ability is beyond doubt, as a midfielder he is able to explore every area of the pitch well, and even in tight areas he can make good chances for Haaland and Phil Foden so far in scoring, at this time I think Guardiola must still maintain his team's performance even if he has to replace KDB with Kovacic, Because after all, the situation in the league at the moment is very tight, and it is necessary for Guardiola to minimize mistakes in order to be able to maintain their chances of competing to win the Premier League this season with Arsenal and Liverpool.