The early signs seem to suggest they can. In fact, Manchester City recorded a 1-0 win over 'bogey-side' Everton on Saturday without three of their most influential players. David Silva, Vincent Kompany and Agüero, who sustained an injury to his knee within three minutes, were unable to offer their respective services to City's fifth consecutive win in all competitions, but the maturity of the team saw the Blues narrow the gap between themselves and Chelsea at the top of the table to just three points.
Much has been made of Agüero's importance to the Blues so far this season, and City's title hopes began to limp out of the Etihad Stadium just like their Argentinian striker at 17.33pm. As Agüero tearfully hobbled from the field of play, clutching the back of his left knee, a grey fog began to sedate the stadium into silence. It was heartbreaking.
Manuel Pellegrini confirmed after the game that the striker had injured the ligament in his knee.
But City dispelled the 'one man team' accusations with a refreshingly tenacious performance orchestrated by Yaya Touré, Samir Nasri, and the ever-reliable James Milner. The three mingled both stylishly and effectively to create space behind Everton's back line and control the midfield.
Milner's intelligent running forced Phil Jagielka into a clumsy tackle inside the penalty area that supplied City's winner, Nasri provided creativity in attacking positions and an unusual willingness to win the ball back that buoyed the crowd, and Touré issued his potential successor Ross Barkley with a masterclass in composure on the ball and physical dominance in the centre of midfield. The Ivorian has dealt with the criticism directed at him earlier in the campaign in a professional manner and has responded to it brilliantly with four league goals, more than any other midfielder in the league.
Sergio Agüero could be out for between a week and six months. The agonising wait will torment Manchester City fans who have watched the South American climb into the realms of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo so far this term, but Manuel Pellegrini must utilise the quality in his squad to numb the pain of his absence.
On Saturday afternoon, City showed an industrious side to their play that proved they are not reliant on just one man. The current Premier League champions have emerged from sour run of form that saw many refute their chances of silverware this season, but emerging unscathed from a busy period without Sergio Agüero could be even more difficult.
Player Ratings
Joe Hart 7
Hart may not be deserving of the most lucrative contract ever handed to a goalkeeper, but his acrobatic save to deny Romelu Lukaku was nothing short of world class. The Englishman is set to sign a new five-year deal with the club worth £165,000-a-week, and he'll have to continue producing stops like that to prove he is worth every penny. Distribution still a weak area.
Pablo Zabaleta 7
Nullified perhaps Everton's best threats in Kevin Mirallas and Leighton Baines. A much quieter performance than the one we saw against Sunderland in mid-week, but just as effective.
Martin Demichelis 7
A calm and assured performance at the centre of defence. Stayed composed and resolute to deny the threat of the physical Lukaku and ensured his team kept a vital clean sheet.
Eliaquim Mangala 7
Got away with murder early on after almost decapitating Samuel Eto'o with an outrageous high foot in Everton's penalty area, but after taking on some wise words from Yaya Touré, the Frenchman collected himself and displayed his fabulous aerial abilities against Lukaku. Improving.
Clichy started the season so poorly that City fans were eager to see him leave the club as soon as possible, but the previously dependable full-back has become one of Manuel Pellegrini's star performers in the last three games. Excellent defensively and has begun to provide the Blues with a Kolarov-like threat on the flanks.
Jesus Navas 6
Troubled Baines with his pace, but wasn't direct enough. The Spaniard is not a defensive minded player, nor is he particularly hard-working, and as a result, he faded from the game.
Fernando 7.5
Filled in for the rested Fernandinho and was another lucky to escape red after treating ex-Blue Gareth Barry to a ferocious boot to the head. Otherwise, the Brazilian was brilliant. Provided a number of crucial blocks and typically rugged tackles to disrupt the flow of Everton's football.
Yaya Touré 8.5 (M.O.M)
Has answered his critics well by hitting a run of fine form in the last few weeks. The Ivorian orchestrated the midfield with a level head, spraying passes from left to right and powerfully charging forward to replace the attacking threat vacated by Agüero. Brilliant penalty secured the win.
James Milner 8
Always commended for his tenacity, but the Englishman is an exceptionally intelligent player who often troubles defences with his constant movement. Defended and attacked with enthusiasm and won the penalty that won City the game. Always reliable.
Samir Nasri 8
Nasri possesses the ability to toy with his opponents, but it was his defensive work that particularly impressed on Saturday afternoon. The Frenchman was both creative and resourceful in possession and his willingness to track his man ensured the Toffees were unable to play out from the back.
Sergio Agüero - No time to mark
Soured the victory by limping off the field after just three minutes. Let's hope it's not as serious as it looked.
Substitutes
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José Ángel Pozo 7
The youngster was thrown into the deep end by Manuel Pellegrini who seemed keen to protect Džeko from the same fate suffered by Agüero. Tussling with the experience and strength of Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin is no mean feat, but the Spaniard coped well and almost scored.
Edin Džeko 6
The Bosnian international lacks aggression and will have to step up to the mark against Roma on Wednesday.
Frank Lampard 6
Experience helped see out a crucial win.
Edin Džeko 6
The Bosnian international lacks aggression and will have to step up to the mark against Roma on Wednesday.
Frank Lampard 6
Experience helped see out a crucial win.
