Dissecting the inner Galaxy with $gamma$-ray pixel count statistics

We combine adaptive template fitting and pixel count statistics in order to assess the nature of the Galactic center excess in Fermi-LAT data. We reconstruct the flux distribution of point sources in the inner Galaxy well below the Fermi-LAT detection threshold, and measure their radial and longitudinal profiles. Point sources and diffuse emission from the Galactic bulge each contributes $mathcal{O}$(10%) of the total emission therein, disclosing a sub-threshold point-source contribution to the Galactic center excess.