Christie scores hat-trick as Bournemouth beat Lincoln 4-0 in Carabao Cup

Bournemouth came into their Carabao Cup third-round tie against Lincoln City under real pressure. After three Premier League games, they had only two points and had conceded decisive late goals. The 4-0 victory at Vitality Stadium was therefore not just a routine cup win; it gave Marco Rose his first positive result as manager. Ryan Christie was the defining figure. The Scotland midfielder scored in the 7th, 69th and 88th minutes to complete his second career hat-trick. Rayan came off the bench to make it 4-0 in stoppage time. The scoreline, however, only tells part of the story. Rose made eight changes. Michele Di Gregorio, signed on loan from Juventus, made his debut in goal. Alvaro Rodriguez made his first start. Ben Doak, David Brooks, James Hill and Julio Soler were also given opportunities. Lincoln, meanwhile, kept only Ryley Towler from their 1-1 draw with Southampton. The two clubs met for the first time since 2026. Lincoln started brightly but fell behind in the seventh minute when Ben Doak crossed from the right and Christie finished neatly at the near post. The visitors responded through Dan Oyegoke, whose header forced a save from Di Gregorio before Ryley Towler fired the rebound over. Joe Gauci then made important saves to keep Lincoln in the match. Bournemouth pushed forward throughout the second half. James Hill struck the angle of post and crossbar from 25 yards. Alvaro Rodriguez had two good chances but slipped at the key moment and then headed inches wide. Christie eventually added his second in the 69th minute with a far-post header from David Brooks' corner. His third came in the 88th minute from a deflected 14-yard shot after Bafode Diakite set him up. Rayan completed the scoring in stoppage time with a tidy finish near the six-yard box. The result gives Marco Rose his first win after three frustrating Premier League matches in which Bournemouth conceded late goals against Manchester City, Everton and Newcastle. It also gives the manager useful evidence about his squad depth. The real test, however, will come when Bournemouth face stronger opponents who defend compactly and counter at speed.