Unfortunately the sort of playmaker/midfield general we need are too few and far between at this level. Faurlin for obvious reasons can't play every game and without him we don't have anyone who can pull the strings. I would have kept Barton, despite his ability not being what he thinks it is he is still a leader on the field and we don't have a single one of those in the starting 11.
Isn't that what Konchesky is meant to be, and Onuoha? Hall looks like becoming one. He just gets better with every game.