Welsh midfielder Jason Koumas doubled the Latics' lead in the second half seal the club's first opening day win in the Premier League.
Rodallega had looked lively from the outset as Wigan gradually began to take hold of the match, and his ensured the first goal for a Roberto Martinez side in the Premier League was one to remember.
On the half-hour mark, Villa full-back Nicky Shorey's attempt to head a long ball clear succeeded only in directing it towards the Colombian, who had time to steady himself before firing a wonderful dipping half-volley right into the far top corner of Brad Friedel's goal.
