Johann Berg Gudmundsson almost took the roof of Turf Moor with a late equaliser to force a draw against champions-elect Manchester City.
City, fielding only six substitutes because of a lengthening injury list, had appeared ready to go 18 points clear when Brazilian Danilo struck from outside the box midway through the first half.
Plenty of chances were missed on both sides in the second period – most notably when Raheem Sterling missed a sitter from three yards to make the game safe for City – until Gudmundsson got goalside of Kyle Walker to volley Matt Lowton’s cross after 82 minutes.