"Arsenal can win it," acknowledged Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp in the aftermath of the 2013 finalists' shock defeat before offering the caveat: "If they don't play Bayern Munich."
But is the toppling of another teutonic titan even beyond the rejuvenated north London team? The fact that Arsene Wenger's side sit five points clear in the Premier League and top of the 'Group of Death', of course, is in no small part due to the feel-good factor that £40 million club-record signing Mesut Ozil has brought. But the true testament to their growing maturity is that the German playmaker is not their standout performer.
The Wales captain - awarded the club's player of the month award for the fourth time in a row on Wednesday - is unrecognisable from the timid midfielder of yesteryear, during a career horribly stalled by a nasty leg break in 2010.
Ten goals in 17 appearances suggests this is finally his season to shine and, allied to his impressive passing, tackling and athleticism, Ramsey can now be considered one of the most dangerous box-to-box midfielders in world football.