Match Analysis: Stoke City 6-1 Liverpool

Steven Gerrard's final Liverpool game ended in an embarrassing 6-1 defeat to Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium this afternoon.

The departing captain managed to get on the scoresheet, but goals from Mame Biram Diouf, Jonathan Walters, Charlie Adam, Steven N'Zonzi and Peter Crouch downed the Reds' hopes of ending the season on a high.

Mark Hughes's side have finished the campaign ninth in the Premier League table, while Liverpool have dropped to fifth.

Below, Sports Mole has assessed the shock result.

Match statistics

STOKE CITY Shots: 15 On target: 9 Possession: 45% Corners: 3 Fouls: 13

LIVERPOOL Shots: 13 On target: 4 Possession: 55% Corners: 9 Fouls: 4

Was the result fair?

Rarely does a team score six goals and not deserve to win the game. Prior to kickoff, there wouldn't have been many punters that would have put their money on a 6-1 win for Stoke. From the kickoff, the hosts looked the brighter of the two sides, and they looked like they had something to play for, even though the reality was much different.

Liverpool were lacklustre and short of ideas as they struggled without a focal point up front. The goals came thick and fast in the first half for Stoke and the Reds were stunned. Hughes's side could afford to sit back in the second half and they looked comfortable throughout. To sum up, the Potters were worthy victors this afternoon.

Stoke's performance

As mentioned above, the home side came out on the front foot and it paid off. The team were rarely troubled when they were on the ball and they found plenty of space in attack. Emre Can's vulnerability at the back was targeted well by the hosts and goalkeeper Asmir Begovic managed to see off any rare danger that came his way.

After slotting five past Simon Mignolet in the first half, the Potters sat back in the second 45 minutes and seemed more than content letting Liverpool dominate possession. The stunning win was topped off with a sixth goal from ex-Liverpool man Crouch.

Liverpool's performance

It was a dismal display all round. The intensity was lacking and despite their fifth place in the table being less than secure before kickoff, at times, it looked as though the players had already begun their holidays. Can struggled to cope in defence and Rodgers was forced to make changes at the break, which included switching to a back three, after going five goals down.

Gerrard on his final outing for the Reds tried to salvage some pride by scoring in the second half, but it will be a finale to forget for the midfielder. Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho were the only real positives in an attacking sense, but neither could make a significant impact. The performance proved even more that Rodgers has plenty to address this summer.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Marko Arnautovic: He may not have got on the scoresheet during Stoke's rout, but he played a role in the majority of goals this afternoon. The 26-year-old attacker was full of energy throughout and demonstrated skill that Liverpool struggled to cope with.

Biggest gaffe

Liverpool's entire first half is worthy of 'biggest gaffe'! However, one particular individual moment was dire - with the Reds already 2-0 down in the first half, Emre Can headed the ball back towards his own goal off an Adam cross, and in doing so allowed Walters to latch on and score a third goal for his team.

Referee performance

Lee Mason brandished six yellow cards throughout the game and the majority of them were shown early. The match official had plenty of penalty claims to deal with and decided against giving any. On reflection, the referee can't be blamed for not awarding any spot kicks.