Blackburn Rovers gave their new Indian owners a winning start to their reign on Sunday after two goals from Morten Gamst Pedersen proved decisive in a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.

Pedersen struck a goal in each half as Blackburn delighted new owners Venkateshwara and Balaji Rao, who were watching from the stands at a bitterly cold Ewood Park after their takeover of the club was confirmed on Friday.