Mark Hughes believes most teams would have struggled to cope with Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday when they put six past Liverpool.
In his two years in charge, Hughes has guided Stoke to successive ninth-placed finishes, setting plenty of records along the way.
Last season's tally of 50 points was a record as the Potters finished inside the top 10 of the Premier League for the first time, but they ended this campaign with 54, as well as a positive goal difference for the first time.
"We couldn't have asked for a better finish to a really great season," Hughes said after Sunday's game.
"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."
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.
"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," said Hughes.
"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."
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