Yes, he was a massive part of the problem.
We’ve been the best team in the history of the competition with Fernandinho, Silva and DeBruyne in midfield. And last season with Fernandinho, Silva and Bernado.
But our record when Gundogan plays as an 8 is that of a mid table team. And that of a relegation threatened team when Gundogan plays alongside Silva.
it doesn’t take a genius to work out why.
We need energy in midfield. We need someone who presses with insane intensity. Someone who is such a treat going forward that the opposition worry about them and it frees up space for Silva.
Gundogan just sitting there doing no pressing, constantly playing square and backwards, offering absolutely nothing going forward other than the occasional chipped ball down the middle, it’s not enough.
The opposition don’t have to worry about getting pressed. They don’t have to worry about Gundogan hurting them, so they just double up on Silva.
It’s not rocket science mate, just watch any game where Gundogan plays as an 8. We’re invariably shite. And according to the stats, we invariably drop points.
So to answer your question, yes, playing Gundogan as an 8 affects the entire team.