Owen Coyle blasted referee Lee Probert as Bolton proved to United boss Sir Alex Ferguson they were anything but an easy touch for the champions elect.
 
Chelsea extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points courtesy of a first-half goal from Bolton old boy, Nicolas Anelka.
 
But Wanderers gave the Londoners a major scare and Coyle felt his team deserved two penalties for handball.
 
On each occasion - against Didier Drogba and John Terry - Mr Probert, a late replacement for FA Cup final official Chris Foy, waved away appeals.
 
"We should have had two penalties," demanded angry Coyle. "We all accept Didier Drogba is a world class player. But given what happened in the first incident, he is also a world class volleyball player.
 
"It was such a clear handball and that was when the score line was 0-0.
 
"I did ask the assistant referee about the second claim and he said it hit John Terry on the shoulder.
 
"He must have shoulders that stretch down to his ankles then because it was another penalty. And the whole world knew it.
 
"Now we need to replicate that performance at Stoke because, if we do, it will result in points."
 
Coyle has been clearly stung by suggestions from fellow Scot  Fergie that Bolton would offer only flimsy resistance at Stamford Bridge.
 
And the Trotters chief declared: "It dispelled any theories it was going to be an easy game for Chelsea, that's for sure.
 
"Everyone had their opinion and plenty to say about it.
 
"But I felt the way the lads went about it, they deserved to leave Stamford Bridge with a minimum of a point."
 
And defender Zat Knight added: "There were a couple of handball decisions that didn't go our way. But that's what happens when you play the big teams, especially at Stamford Bridge.
 
"No one wants thing like that said against them," he added in response to Ferguson's suggestion. "Maybe it upset the manager more than the players.
 
"But we want to stay in the Premier League and we've got to keep on fighting."
 
Anelka's winner - his first goal since January - came two minutes before the break.
 
Drogba crossed from the left and the former City marksman rose unmarked to head past Jussi Jaaskelainen from close range.
 
But against Coyle's most defensive formation since replacing Gary Megson, Chelsea didn't create as many chances has had been feared.
 
Frank Lampard did hit a post and Jussi Jaaskelainen saved well from Yury Zhirkov. However, late substitutes Johan Elmander and Ivan Klasnic almost netted in the last 10 minutes.
 
Bolton: Jaaskelainen 8, Ricketts 8, Cahill 7, Knight 7, Robinson 8, Steinsson 7, Muamba 7, Lee 6 (80 Klasnic), Wilshere 7 (80 Elmander), Taylor 8 , K Davies 7. Not used: Al Habsi, Samuel, M Davies, Cohen, Weiss.