Premier League: Liverpool v Man United - in pictures

After the revelations this month regarding the Hillsborough tragedy in 1989, today's match between old rivals Liverpool and Manchester United is all the more emotional. Tributes from both sets of fans have been left at the Shankly Gates Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Flowers, cards and scarves are among the items left outside the ground as fans from both teams express their grief Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Liverpool memorabilia on sale outside the ground includes items for the Hillsborough Justice Campaign Photograph: Tom Jenkins

A Liverpool fan - with the letters YNWA (You'll Never Walk Alone) tattooed onto his fingers - touches the Hillsborough memorial plaque before entering the stadium Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Both squads are wearing tracksuit tops with the number 96 on them in memory of the Hillborough victims Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The antagonisms of the past are put aside as Patrice Evra shakes hands with Luis Suarez before the game Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Wonder what Kenny Dalglish made of that from his vantage point in the directors' box? He was the Liverpool boss throughout the Suarez and Evra controversy Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Liverpool fans unfurl a poignant banner Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Former United great Bobby Charlton presents red roses to former Liverpool legend Ian Rush Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Tom Jenkins

And moments before kick-off, fans create mosaics reading 'The Truth', '96' and 'Justice' Photograph: Tom Jenkins

United's fans are making their presence felt, as well Photograph: Tom Jenkins

With the pre-match tributes paid, the action begins in earnest. Here, Luis Suarez and Rio Ferdinand tussle for the ball Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Daniel Agger flies into another tackle Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Rahim Sterling looks to escape from Evra Photograph: Tom Jenkins

With Liverpool having dominated the first half, a row erupts when Jonjo Shelvey scythes down Jonny Evans. Shelvey protests his innocence and then rages at Ferdinand Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The challenge is worthy of a yellow, but the referee shows him a straight red Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Shelvey vents his ire at Sir Alex Ferguson as he leaves the field Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Early in the second half, Steven Gerrard scores for the home side with a neatly controlled volley inside the box Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The captain, who chested down a loose ball before sending a measured volley into the bottom corner, celebrates on his knees and points to the sky in memory of his cousin who died in the Hillsborough disaster Photograph: Tom Jenkins

But the lead lasts only five minutes as Pepe Reina is beaten by a wonderful curling effort from Rafael, making it 1-1
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

It was a visionary finish from the young Brazilian Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers implores his team to push forwards
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Suarez is so eager to retrieve the ball that he gets a handful of Ferdinand's shirt Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Antonio Valencia was a constant threat for United Photograph: Tom Jenkins

And it is Valencia who contributes to the match-winning goal nine minutes from time - a goal scored by Robin Van Persie. Valencia was fouled by Glen Johnson as he burst into the box and Van Persie converted the resulting spot-kick ... Liverpool remain without a win this season after what has been a spirited display and an emotive occasion
Photograph: Tom Jenkins