Reflection 2: Arsenal’s Systemic Failures

Sustainable. Synergy. Cycle. These three words, in my opinion, highlight why systems are vital in any organization and why it is of utmost importance to understand the mechanism of a successful system. As a sports fan, one issue that has been central to my life, especially recently, is how in the world Arsenal FC reach the top of the football pyramid. Coincidentally I believe that the answer lies in system thinking. You see, Arsenal was once the champions of their league as recently as 2004, overthrowing the dominance of Manchester United. With a team filled with stars and an innovative coach at the cutting edge of the sport, Arsenal seemed (and in many cases were) invincible. By the end of the decade, the once great club had been reduced to consistent runners up while their old rivals (Manchester United) regained their stranglehold on the league. The main reason for this, in my opinion, is the systems thinking approach to the management of Manchester United that is absent in the design of Arsenal’s operational structure. Manchester United’s system had been designed so that the team would constantly be competitive at all times. Its academies consistently churn out first team players, supplemented with their systems of scouts that funnel in the world’s brightest talents. Their marketing teams work closely with their scouting department to bring in stars that fit into the stereotypical ‘United Player’. Their operational management also works tirelessly to maintain good relationships with elite clubs worldwide making transfers easier and allowing scouts to do their jobs more efficiently. The systems in place at Manchester United allow for the continual and sustained success of the club.