Do you really expect Manchester City to park the bus just because their main striker is unavailable? I don't think Manchester City's attacking style was the reason they lost to Liverpool, even with Haaland on the pitch, City's inconsistent performances this season suggests they still might have still lost.
Counting the losses of the Citizens this season, and I've lost count based on the inconsistent performance of the club. Manchester City are going through a difficult time this season, the fans bear with the club and the manager, Pep Guardiola, who's trying everything to resolve the challenges facing the club. These hurdling storms will be over sooner than anyone will expects, the team's management believes in Pep Guardiola and also the players.
Manchester City frontline, Erling Haaland is no key player or resulting why Manchester City recorded defeats against Liverpool. They did also against Real Madrid without the presence of the Norway international. Even when he's on the pitch, what difference does it makes? Victory days are over for Manchester City, they just have to rebuild the team back to peak but it will take much time than intended.