Manchester City appeared to be cruising on Sunday after racing into a 2–0 lead against Tottenham .
Control of the match looked firmly in their hands, with Man City dictating possession and tempo.
However, that comfort vanished quickly once Thomas Frank's side found a way back into the contest in the second half.
Dominic Solanke's brace hauled Tottenham back to earn a 2–2 draw, with the first goal proving a major turning point.
Analysing the moment Spurs pulled a goal back, Carragher focused on City's high defensive line and their attempt to step up rather than track the run in behind.
For Carragher, it was the type of mistake that can unravel an entire defensive structure.
"I don't understand it because I've been in this position," Carragher said. "I always go back, and I keep repeating myself about what I was brought up with, that we don't play offside, they run offside."
Carragher pointed to Marc Guehi as the first defender caught between decisions, arguing that his hesitation triggered a chain reaction.
" Marc Guehi was in a position where he could just go with the run. He doesn't need to play offside," Carragher continued. "But as soon as he lets the attacking player for Tottenham go, there's a knock-on effect.
"So, you see Guehi, [Abdukodir] Khusanov, [Nico] O'Reilly, and the guy at the back post, [Rayan] Ait-Nouri, all go after one another.
"All they've gained is probably six inches in terms of going forward and trying to play someone offside. There's absolutely no danger."
Carragher was also keen to defend Ait-Nouri , who was criticised by some for playing Solanke onside.
"People will say he played them on. What is he supposed to do?" Carragher added. "How does he know at that split second those players are going to do that?"
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Carragher's analysis went beyond the individual error, linking the issue to City's overall defensive setup.
He drew parallels with patterns he had seen before at Liverpool , as Pep Lijnders was Jurgen Klopp's long-time assistant and is now part of City's coaching staff.
Carragher recalled how Liverpool were often caught out when playing an aggressive high line.
"If I'm being honest, because I've seen it this season and I remember how Liverpool used to play under Jurgen Klopp, I think a lot of this is down to Pep Lijnders," Carragher explained.
Carragher believes City are being encouraged to chase marginal offside calls rather than prioritising defensive security.
