Ryan Christie hat-trick gives Marco Rose first Bournemouth win in 4-0 Carabao Cup victory over Lincoln

Marco Rose had not won as Bournemouth manager until Tuesday night, when football gave him a gift named Ryan Christie. The Scotland international scored in the 7th, 69th and 88th minutes, while Rayan sealed a 4-0 victory over Lincoln in stoppage time in the Carabao Cup third round. This was Rose's first win since arriving at the Vitality Stadium, and Christie's second career hat-trick after his first for Celtic. Rose made eight changes from his latest XI. Juventus loanee Michele Di Gregorio made his debut, while Uruguayan striker Alvaro Rodriguez was handed his first start. Lincoln made changes too, keeping Ryley Towler in the side after their 1-1 draw with Southampton. The teams met for the first time since the 2026-11 season when both were in League Two. Lincoln started confidently, pressing high and organizing well in midfield. But the game lasted only seven minutes. Ben Gannon-Doak delivered a cross from the right, Christie escaped his marker, arrived at the near post and finished neatly. The early goal gave Bournemouth control, and Lincoln had to push forward. Gannon-Doak continued to threaten, cutting inside and shooting, though Towler blocked one effort. Di Gregorio made his first save on 22 minutes to deny Dan Oyegoke's header, and Towler blazed over from the rebound. Bournemouth grew stronger. Bafode Diakite headed from a long throw, but Joe Gauci saved. James Hill fired wide, and Julio Soler curled a shot off target after David Brooks' corner was half cleared. Christie also forced Gauci to palm away a curling effort before half-time. Bournemouth raised the tempo in the second half. Gannon-Doak saw a curling shot deflect off Rodriguez and over the bar, and then ballooned another effort. James Hill hit the angle of post and crossbar from 25 yards. Rodriguez had two good chances but slipped when shooting and later headed inches wide from Hill's cross. Christie made it 2-0 in the 69th minute by heading in Brooks' corner at the far post. He completed his treble in the 88th minute with a deflected shot from 14 yards after being teed up by Diakite. Rayan then finished from the corner of the six-yard box in stoppage time. The win gives Rose breathing space, but Bournemouth were playing a Championship side, not Premier League opposition. Lincoln missed good chances in the first half, and Rodriguez's full debut was frustrating. Rose must fix the late-game defensive issues that have cost points against Manchester City, Everton and Newcastle. Bournemouth's tactical tweaks worked well. Julio Soler pushed forward on the left, Brooks roamed into central areas, and Gannon-Doak provided constant width. The quick passing created clear openings. Christie's experience and movement made the difference. Lincoln, meanwhile, looked disjointed after their rotation. But the match was an opportunity for Bournemouth to rebuild confidence. Di Gregorio showed calm distribution, which will be vital in the Premier League. This was not a night for wild celebration. Bournemouth still face serious challenges at the top level. As I once wrote: that autumn never answered, but it kept all the questions. Bournemouth remain an open book, and Ryan Christie's hat-trick is only one bright chapter among unwritten pages.