Repeating last season's result, in less dramatic circumstances, the Reds were good value for the three points as Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund found the net after the interval.
The sense of injustice at Ethan Pinnock's opener was still very much on Erik's mind after the final whistle, as he was upset Matthijs de Ligt was ordered to leave the field to treat a head injury by referee Sam Barrott, as the Bees prepared to take a corner in first-half stoppage time.
However, there was much for Ten Hag to be pleased with, in his post-match interviews with the official broadcasters.