Contended it was a crash dive? (4)

I believe the answer is:

vied

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'contended' is the definition.
('vie' can be a synonym of 'contend')

'it was a crash dive?' is the wordplay.
'dive' can be anagrammed to 'VIED'.
But, I am unsure how the anagram is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for vied that I've seen before include "Competed in dive" , "Contested in dive" , "'Competed, contended (4)'" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app