Stoke boss Mark Hughes was delighted with the manner of the club's 6-1 demolition of Liverpool as they finished in ninth place.
In his two years in charge, Hughes has guided the club to back-to-back top-10 finishes in the Premier League for the first time.
Stoke blitzed their hosts in a 23-minute spell from the middle of the first half, with Mame Diouf (two), Jon Walters, Charlie Adam and Steven Nzonzi putting them 5-0 up before the break.
Substitute Peter Crouch rounded off the scoring late on after Steven Gerrard, on his 710th and last appearance for the club, scored a goal which brought the whole of the Britannia Stadium to its feet.
"We couldn't have asked for a better finish to a really great season,'' Hughes said.
"The level of performance in that first 45 minutes was exceptional and I don't think it reflects badly on Liverpool. I think most teams would have struggled to cope with the quality and intensity of our play.
"It is a great performance against a very good team with great individual talents, and we have been able to get the level of performance that I think a lot of people sensed we were capable of.
"Everything came together and we showed what a good side we are.''
Hughes also paid tribute to Gerrard who was given a bad send-off by Stoke, but the manager hailed his impact on the English game.
"I am sure Steven wasn't anticipating the manner of that being his last performance, but credit to him he was trying to drive his team on and it was great he got that reception from our supporters when he scored,'' he said.
"It is only right and proper we recognise the impact he has had in English football and at his club as well.
"To a man everyone applauded that goal. I wish him well, he has been a credit to his country and his club as well.''